IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND
Opening Prayer
Ask God to reveal whether you are in danger of valuing “praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:43).
Read Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
It’s natural to enjoy approval and praise. But whose approval matters the most? Whose praise brings you greatest joy?Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is spectacular. Not only does he fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (4,5), but also he wins the hearts of an adoring “public” (8,9) and his fame precedes him all the way to the holy city (10).
In that moment, with the crowds according him royal treatment (8) and hailing him as the long-awaited “Son of David” (9), Jesus had them in the palm of his hand. If he had but dismounted that donkey and delivered a stirring speech (and perhaps called down a miracle or two for good measure!) surely Jesus could have converted that palm-branch-waving crowd into a fighting army, ready to lay down their lives to crown him king.
Contrary to what happens today on many a political platform, Jesus opted not to make political capital out of this moment. In fact, his actions the very next day (Matt. 21:12–17) were tantamount to political suicide. But Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). An immeasurably greater purpose trumped political expediency and public acclaim. Jesus was indeed king—just not the political messiah they sought.
Apply
Is there an area of your life in which it is hard for you to obey Christ because of what others might think or say? Choose to seek only Christ’s approval today.
Closing prayer
Lord, lead me never to be “stirred” by the acclaim or applause of the world, but lead me always and only by the voice of Your Spirit.
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